San Antonio fire department offers heating safety tips

SAN ANTONIO -- Fire authorities in the Alamo City said they have responded to 36 structure fires in the last couple of days and are asking people to be careful as temperatures drop at night.

At least seven fires in the city were caused by improper heating.

San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said he doesn't fault anyone for trying to stay warm, but is asking people to act responsibly. Hood said that if anyone is concerned a fire could start, he or she should call the department.

"A lot of times we get calls to check electrical or smell of smoke. We would much rather come out with an engine and check that than to come out three hours later to a house that's fully involved in fire,” he said.

Chief Hood said anyone that does not have a working smoke detector should call 211 and someone will install one.